Corridor Beautification Incentive Program

Overview

The Corridor Beautification Incentive is a matching grant that assists owners and tenants of retail, commercial and multiple-family properties located along high-priority gateway corridors within the City of Waco. Incentive funds may be used to support landscaping, façade, parking, circulation, signage and public art improvements to their businesses.

Program Objectives

1. Improve the community image and perception of these high-priority corridors through qualifying improvements focusing both on aesthetics and business vitality;
2. Upgrade primary roadway corridor streetscapes, signage, and landscaping;
3. Collaborate with commercial property owners to develop creative design solutions that are compatible with and complement existing adjacent neighborhoods;
4. Encourage private investment in commercial businesses;
5. Stimulate redevelopment to increase sales tax revenues and property values; and
6. Stimulate economic and business development by providing safe and visually pleasing environments for workers, businesses, and the public.

Applicant & Property Eligibility

Applicant Eligibility: Any person or entity seeking Corridor Beautification incentive funds must comply with the following criteria. Prior to applying, the Applicant should meet with the Beautification, Arts & Culture Program staff to determine project eligibility and review application requirements.

The Applicant/Grantee must:

1. Be the owner or lessee of the real property improvement;
2. Invest their own funds on eligible improvements;
3. Be registered to do business in the state of Texas;
4. Be current in paying property taxes for any property they own, including the property on which the Project is located;
5. Complete an application with the City with the required supporting documents as described below;
6. Comply with all local and state laws and regulations affecting the property, its rehabilitation and future use; and
7. Comply with all City of Waco Building Codes, including all required construction permitting during the course of the Project.

The Applicant/Grantee will be deemed ineligible to apply under this Program if the Applicant:

1. Has City liens filed against any property owned by the Applicant, including but not limited to, weed liens, demolition liens, board-up/open structure liens and paving liens.
2. Is a City employee or City official.
3. Is currently undergoing bankruptcy proceedings.
4. Is the owner or operator of an Ineligible Business.

Subject property(s) shall demonstrate resultant positive impacts on adjacent residential neighborhoods, where applicable. Positive impacts shall include improved landscaping, updated building façades and signage, reduced parking lot areas, and improved vehicular and pedestrian circulation.

Property Eligibility: the property must meet the following criteria to qualify for the incentive.

1. Located on a Priority Corridor.
2. Current on property taxes.
3. Existing retail, commercial or multiple-family property.
4. In compliance with the City’s Zoning Ordinance.
5. Qualifying buildings are to be used for commercial or multi-family uses.

The Property will be deemed ineligible to receive an Incentive under this Program if it:

1. Is tax exempt.
2. Currently has an Ineligible business on site.
3. New commercial development will not qualify; only structures in existence on or before December 31, 2024.
4. Work that has been completed or is underway at the time the incentive application is submitted will not qualify.
5. Structures used exclusively for single-family residences will not qualify.

Eligible Improvements

Landscaping & Irrigation

The improvement of landscaping and irrigation should include drought-tolerant, low-water, and native trees, plants, and shrubs for sustainability and conservation of resources. Please see Brazos River Corridor Guidelines for a list of approved plants and trees.

Building Materials/ Façade

The improvement of building materials and façades should allow for materials, colors, and finishes to be compatible with existing improved properties along the corridor. Non-metal materials are encouraged, and an unfinished appearance is discouraged. The requirements for building materials apply to all building elevations visible from the right-of-way.

Parking/Circulation/Access

The improvement of parking, circulation, and access should include quality paving materials and comply with ADA standards. This includes high impact improvements on highly visible portions of the property as well as closing unnecessary parking areas and curb cuts.

Signage

The improvements to signage along the corridors should include the removal of unused/ temporary signs as well as enhancement to existing signs. All signage shall follow the standards as set in Chapter 28, Article VIII of the City of Waco Code of Ordinances.

Sidewalks

The improvements to sidewalks along the corridor should include the addition of new sidewalks and the enhancement/reconstruction of existing sidewalks that comply with ADA standards. All sidewalks shall follow the standards set in Chapter 22, Article III of the City of Waco Code of Ordinances.

Public Art

Public art along the corridor should include the addition of murals or sculpture that may be freestanding, placed on the façade of a structure, placed on structural features along the public right-of-way such as retaining walls or fencing, or placed in landscaping along the public right-of-way.

Duration, Scope & Labor

Project Duration: Approved Construction must begin within sixty (60) days from the date of incentive approval and must be completed within three hundred and sixty-five (365) days or monies will be recycled back into the program and reimbursement will not be made.

• Changes to approved scope of work: The City of Waco must approve any changes made to the scope of work. Funding will not be awarded for any changes under construction without prior approval. Changes to the scope of work will require the approval of City staff.
• Eligible Labor: Matching incentive monies may not be used to pay the property owner or members of the owner’s family for labor on the project.
• Incentive Limitations: Site enhancements must comply with all state and local laws including all ordinances and regulations of the City of Waco. The total funds available in the matching incentive program at any given time may restrict the City’s ability to fully fund a incentive request.

Incentive Amounts & Reimbursements

Possible Incentive Amounts: Funding for a Project is subject to availability and will be allocated on a first-come, first-approved basis. A maximum of $15,000 is available per Project for Eligible Improvements, but the total Incentive cannot exceed 50% of the overall Project cost.

Reimbursement: A reimbursement schedule will be provided in the agreement.

1. Timing of Reimbursement:
   • In one lump sum to the Grantee after City staff has verified that the Project is complete and is eligible for reimbursement according to the terms of the Agreement; or
   • In phases to the Grantee after City staff has verified that each phase of the Project is complete and is eligible for reimbursement according to the terms of the Agreement. When a Project is paid in phases, the City of Waco may retain up to 30% of any phase completed to be paid at subsequent phase or at total completion.
2. Required Proof of Reimbursement: The Grantee/Applicant will submit proof of expenditures on improvements associated with supporting documentation to the City of Waco for review and approval. Supporting documentation may include:
   • Itemized invoices that differentiate the eligible improvements from other Project improvements;
   • Cleared checks and/or bank statements;
   • Release of liens for the work performed, if any;
   • Certificate of occupancy;
   • Final inspection report from City; and
   • Photos of completed improvements and “before” photos of the same improvement areas.

*City staff has final authority to determine which Project costs are eligible for reimbursement. *

Application

The application period will be available January 1, 2025 to February 28, 2025.

For questions or in need of assistance during the application period, please reach out to the Beautification, Arts & Culture Division.

BACinfo@wacotx.gov

Corridor Locations

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